Many eco-conscious consumers love wood products but are concerned about contributing to deforestation by buying items made from irresponsibly harvested wood. Fortunately, it is possible to ensure the wood products you are buying are environmentally friendly by looking for the FSC certification label.

Established in 1993 in response to growing concerns about global deforestation, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) helps promote responsible practices regarding the planet’s forests and the communities that depend on them. The FSC establishes long-term forest management solutions that are socially beneficial, appropriate for the environment and viable for the economy, in addition to providing tools and resources that extend beyond the answer of using recycled wood.

As a result, FSC certification means forests are allowed to maintain their natural ecosystem so they can produce wood indefinitely – the opposite of clear-cutting. When a wood product is FSC certified, a consumer can feel good about the purchasing decision, as it helps support the environment, forest-dependent communities and environmentally conscious businesses.

FSC Certification Overview

FSC certification is a voluntary process. Generally, forest management companies and those that verify a product’s chain of custody receive FCS certificates. Before any forest products earn the FSC certified label, verified sources in the product’s country of origin must vouch for its responsible harvesting. The goal of the FSC is to help meet the ecological, cultural, spiritual, social and economic needs of the land, forest-dependent communities, consumers and future generations.

The FSC certification process involves the setting of international standards in which the public can participate, as well as an accreditation program and trademark assurance. Therefore, when an entity shows that they support or sell materials carrying the FSC certification, they show their commitment to responsible forest management practices that meet FSC principles and criteria.

There are three types of FSC certificates: forest management, chain of custody and controlled wood certificates.

• Forest management. This certification applies to forest or plantation areas, including small operations.
• Chain of custody. This certification applies to companies that trace the FSC certified materials during the entire production process.
• Controlled wood. This certificate allows manufacturing companies to mix FSC certified materials with non-certified products, such as recycled wood, as long as the non-certified products were not illegally harvested, the harvesting company did not violate civil rights and the products are not from genetically-modified trees.

How Companies Earn an FSC Certification

The FSC itself does not certify companies. Instead, FSC-accredited certification bodies made up of independent organizations issue certificates on behalf of the FSC. Certification bodies undergo yearly audits by Accreditation Services International (ASI), the company that manages the FSC accreditation program, to ensure compliance.

To become FSC certified, a company must contact an accredited certification body to learn about the cost, requirements and length of time it will take get an FSC certification. A company should contact more than one certification body, as each may provide a different quote. Once a company chooses a certification body, they both sign an agreement. The certification body will then audit the company to evaluate its certification qualifications.

If approved, the company will receive an FSC certificate. If a company does not pass the audit, it can implement the changes needed and receive further audits. An FSC certification is good for five years, during which a certification body will conduct annual compliance audits.

Why FSC Certification Matters

An FSC certification shows that a company is dedicated to the highest environmental and social standards on the market. As consumers begin to use more recycled wood products and grow more concerned about using new timber sources, products with an “FSC Certified” label assure them of the company’s responsible practices.

A company’s FSC certification also shows consumers, stakeholders, watchdog organizations and business partners that they can have complete confidence in a company’s claim to practicing responsible forest management. Moreover, the certification helps protect a company’s brand and reputation, thus allowing it to access environmentally sensitive niche markets. For example, many large organizations and government bodies use only FSC certified lumber products. As the only valid global standard, the FSC certification does not have any World Trade Organization barriers.

When you see the FSC certified label on wood products, this lets you know that good stewardship practices were employed from the beginning of the manufacturing process. Purchasing FSC certified wood products supports the forest managers who care about responsible practices, the communities that depend on the forests and the availability of future timber products.